The Story
Plant Bio
Acca sellowiana, commonly known as pineapple guava, is a dense evergreen shrub or small multi-stemmed tree native to the highlands of South America. It features thick, leathery leaves with glossy dark green topsides and silvery-white felted undersides, complemented by bicolor spring flowers with fleshy white petals and a prominent boss of crimson stamens.
'Unique' is a highly reliable, self-fertile cultivar that sets heavy crops of sweet, aromatic green fruit without requiring a cross-pollinator. It maintains a naturally compact, rounded habit reaching nine to twelve feet in height, making it highly suited for smaller gardens or formal hedging.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
142"
Width
142"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Early summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its container.
- Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent soil moisture during the summer to prevent premature fruit drop.
- Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and again in early fall to support fruit development.
Pro Tip
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate soft vegetative growth at the expense of flowers and fruit; instead, use a balanced or potassium-rich formula in spring and fall.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during hot, dry summer periods to ensure proper fruit development.
- Tip-prune young plants to encourage a dense, bushy branching structure.
- Prune mature shrubs selectively right after the fall fruit harvest.
Don't
- Do not prune harshly into old, leafless wood, as it may fail to regenerate.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during late summer while fruit is setting.
- Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen formulas that suppress flowering.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pineapple Guava questions
What zones can Pineapple Guava grow in?
Pineapple Guava is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Pineapple Guava deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Pineapple Guava, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Pineapple Guava bloom?
Pineapple Guava typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pineapple Guava need full sun?
Pineapple Guava does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Pineapple Guava drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pineapple Guava handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Pineapple Guava with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.